DR JULIAN WOJTULEWICZ,
MB BS MA (PHIL) FRACP Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Sleep Physician. Biography
A graduate of the University of Sydney Medical School, Julian is an experienced consultant paediatrician with sub-specialty accreditation in intensive care for babies and paediatric sleep medicine. He is also a bioethicist and holds a Masters degree in Philosophy from Georgetown University in Washington DC, USA. He is currently completing post-graduate allergy and immunology training through Western Sydney University. He has published on a range of topics in peer reviewed national and international medical journals. He is passionate about fair distribution of health access for children and young persons as well as issues of moral and legal responsibility for their wellbeing and protection. His prime research interest is the impact of iron stores on behaviour, neuro-cognition and sleep. He is an articulate and enthusiastic educator. |
DR MINNA KOO
MBBS, MA (Cantab), DRCOG, DCH, FRACP Consultant Paediatrician BIOGRAPHY
Minna graduated from the University of Cambridge and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London. After working as a junior doctor in the UK, she made her home in Sydney and completed her specialist paediatric training in Australia through The Children’s Hospital at Westmead whilst parenting three sons. She has wide ranging experience in general paediatrics and neonatology in metropolitan and regional hospitals, most recently as a staff specialist through the NSW Rural Paediatric Support Program based at Sydney Children’s Hospital. She currently has a part time appointment as staff specialist paediatrician in Kids Rehab at CHW. Working with the Genetic Metabolic and the Paediatric Rehabilitation services at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead during training gave her a glimpse into the joys, challenges and potential for each child. This has led to an interest in caring for children with long term complex health conditions, disability, developmental and behavioural issues as their paediatrician and being able to make a positive impact in a child’s life continues to inspire her. She conducted an audit of weight management for boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2020 and has experience of paediatric weight management services during training. As a mother of three adolescent boys, she has an insight into the landscape of life as a working parent and has seen families benefitting from professional help and guidance to navigate a path through their unique set of circumstances. She endeavours to provide child-centred care, focussing on individualised goals for children of any age through to adolescence presenting with a range of childhood issues. Her main areas of interest include disability and associated problems, ADHD management, growth and development, bedwetting, weight management guidance and supporting new mothers and babies in the early years. Affiliations
|
DR NATALIE GENTIN
(nee WAINBERGAS) MB BS FRACP General Paediatrician, Paediatric Sleep and Respiratory Physician. Biography
Natalie completed her medical degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She undertook her specialist paediatric training in Australia. Her advanced sleep and respiratory training was done at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and the Children's Hospital at Westmead. She has completed fellowships in Cystic Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. She has completed a Masters degree in Sleep Medicine through the University of Sydney. She has a wide variety of clinical interests including sleep, general paediatrics, ADHD and respiratory medicine, and is actively involved in research and education. She is an honorary staff specialist sleep physician at Sydney Children’s Hospital and a conjoint lecturer at the University of New South Wales. She also consults in Darwin in the Northern Territory. She is a mother of two young girls and adds her personal experience to her clinical skills. |
DR DOMINIC BULL
General Paediatrician BMed MD FRACP biography
Dr Dominic Bull is a dedicated General Paediatrician with expertise in a wide range of paediatric conditions, from birth through to adolescence. He has a special interest in early childhood development, neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as common concerns in infancy including growth and allergies. Dominic is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care that supports both children and their families. A Northern Beaches local, Dominic attended Manly Selective Campus before earning his Medical Doctorate (B. Med., M.D. with Honours) from the University of New South Wales. He completed his specialist paediatric training (FRACP) through the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, gaining extensive experience in developmental paediatrics while working in Child Development Units through Campbelltown and Gosford hospitals. He is Griffiths-III trained and brings a wealth of experience in diagnosing and managing neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, his work with Specialised Intellectual Disability Health Teams led to a published paper in the Journal of Intellectual Disabilities. Beyond clinical practice, Dominic is a respected educator. He has held Conjoint Associate Lecturer positions at the University of New South Wales and University of Newcastle, as well as being a tutor for the Indigenous Teaching Assistance Service through the University of Sydney. As a father of two young children under 2, Dominic deeply understands the challenges and joys of early childhood. He is committed to achieving positive outcomes with your child in a holistic and family-centred manner, supporting your child’s health across all stages of growth and development. Known for his thoughtful and compassionate approach, Dominic is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. |
DR AMIRA BARSOUM
General Paediatrician FRACP BIOGRAPHY
Amira is an experienced General Paediatrician with 14 years of expertise in child healthcare. She completed her medical degree and specialist training in Germany before relocating to Australia in 2016 to start her own family. She has since completed additional training through The Sydney Children's Hospital Network, with a focus on Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics, Paediatric Gastroenterology, and Paediatric Nephrology. In 2024, Amira was proudly admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians. Amira brings a unique international perspective to her practice, having worked in two different healthcare systems. Fluent in English, German, and Arabic, she is able to provide care and build trust with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Amira has a special interest in supporting families through common challenges, from newborns to adolescents, and is particularly skilled in managing issues such as poor weight gain, oral aversion, feeding difficulties, constipation, food intolerances and allergies, as well as ASD and ADHD. Amira is passionate about taking a holistic approach to paediatric care, ensuring each child receives comprehensive, personalised attention that supports their health and development. Whether it’s navigating early milestones or addressing challenging behaviours, she is dedicated to helping families achieve the best outcomes for their children. |
DR SAMRIDH NAGAR
General Paediatrician biography
Dr Samridh Nagar is a Neonatal and General paediatrician with special interest in developmental and behavioural paediatrics. This includes the diagnosis and management of ADHD, Autism, Developmental trauma, Intellectual as well as Specific learning disability and other behavioural and developmental disorders. He is a member of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural paediatric society of Australasia (NBPSA). Dr Nagar trained extensively at the Sydney Children’s Hospital network and has worked in various neonatal and paediatric units across Sydney and NSW. Dr Nagar has been working as a Consultant Paediatrician in NSW for the last 7 years and is committed to providing excellent care in paediatrics. He has been working in paediatrics for more than 22 years, which includes his overseas training and experience in the specialty. He is involved with RACP (Royal Australasian College of Physicians) activities as a clinical examiner and in assessment of paediatric training. With extensive training in neonatology and paediatrics, he has the expertise of follow up of preterm infants and their developmental issues as well as neonatal issues like Jaundice, feeding issues, poor growth etc. Other interests include Food allergy, Asthma, Eczema, sleep disturbances, seizures and other general paediatric issues. New referrals for the age group 0-16 years are welcome. Dr Nagar works closely with the parents to provide specialist evidence based care for their children. |
DR FIONA ARROWSMITH
Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) BIOGRAPHY
Fiona Arrowsmith is a paediatric Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) as well as a Mum of 3 busy boys. Fiona has 22 years of experience treating a wide range of medical conditions at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia. In addition, Fiona is a Registered NDIS Provider and a Credentialed Eating Disorder Dietitian. Fiona can help your child with the following areas:
Fiona can work closely with your child's medical and allied health professionals to achieve the optimum outcome. |
JOANNE BERRIMAN
Clinical Neuropsychologist Biography
Joanne has always had an interest in the brain and its impact upon human behaviour and cognition. She has worked on the Northern Beaches and in Western Sydney over the past four years, providing neuropsychological assessments for children, young adults, and adults with a range of neurodevelopmental difficulties, and can quickly identify the client’s concerns. These clients may present with symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders that require clarification and diagnosis including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Specific Learning Disorders, mood disorders, mental health concerns, intellectual disability, complex trauma, attachment disorders, and genetic disorders. Joanne has experience in working across various settings including Royal Far West, Manly; Rivendell Adolescent Unit, Concord; and in private practice on the Northern Beaches and in Western Sydney. She has worked as part of multidisciplinary teams across these settings providing cognitive assessments, providing empirically validated interventional strategies and behavioural interventions that help in managing cognitive and behavioural concerns, and finding the appropriate referral pathway. Joanne has provided cognitive assessments for private and public schools, the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Juvenile Justice NSW, and to Registered NDIS support providers to assist in NDIS applications and client management. She can conduct assessments to accompany NESA applications for students sitting their Higher School Certificate. Neuropsychological assessment involves undertaking a clinical interview with the client and/or their family to obtain background information, using reliable and well validated psychometric measures that have been developed to assess specific cognitive functions, presenting the results of the testing in a meaningful way during a feedback session, presenting the information in a detailed report, and providing strategies to assist with identified difficulties. Prior to working as a Clinical Psychologist, Joanne worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years in NSW Hospital Emergency Departments and mental health settings. Joanne works at the Kite Centre on Wednesdays. |
NATALIE MORTIMER
Registered Psychologist Biography
Natalie is a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience working with children and their families. She is interested in the parent-child relationship and adopting evidence based therapies to support meaningful change in the family system. Natalie creates a calm, compassionate and empathic therapeutic environment to facilitate the strengthening of relationships. Natalie has developed her skills over 10 years working in Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMHS) settings and most recently in education. Problems she can support families with:
Natalie has two young children of her own, and understands the difficulties with modern life and parenting. She is available on Wednesdays for appointments, and specialises in children under 12 and their families. Qualifications Natalie holds current registration with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Postgraduate Degree in Psychology, and completed her registration in 2010. Therapeutic approaches Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) Circle of security |
ASHLEIGH GELLERT (nee Palombi)
Paediatric Physiotherapist Biography
Ash is wildly passionate about every child deserving the opportunity to be the very best that they can be. She holds this at the heart of the assessment and treatment of each child that comes through the doors of The Kite Centre, all while making their experience fun. Ash blends her extensive experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy with a wide-ranging knowledge of Paediatric care to achieve the best possible outcome for each and every child. She has experience working with children of all ages, from newborns through to adolescents, who experience developmental delays, have connective tissue disorders (hypermobility), genetic conditions, coordination difficulties, gait and postural concerns, and musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Ash has worked in some of Sydney’s finest schools and with a wide variety of sporting teams, leading their Physiotherapy programs and developing sport-specific screening tools; designed to flag injury risks and improve performance. Ash uses this experience, blended with her natural aptitude for fun, to ensure that all children and adolescents maximise their sporting and participation potential, may that be in a 1:1 assessment and treatment capacity or in the Physio led group classes that she has developed. Ash holds a Bachelor of Human Nutrition and a Master of Physiotherapy. She has completed a range of postgraduate Paediatric Physiotherapy training and continues to stay up to date with the most relevant evidence-based assessments and interventions, ensuring the highest quality of care is always provided to your child. Appointments can be made to see Ashleigh via the below online booking system; https://physi-kids-physiotherapy.au3.cliniko.com/bookings |
GEORGIA BISSET
Paediatric Physiotherapist biography
Georgia is a passionate physiotherapist with an avid interest in Paediatrics. Having had exposure to both the public and private physiotherapy settings, Georgia loves the challenge of working across a broad range of conditions. She comes with clinical experience working with children with developmental delays, connective tissue disorders (hypermobility), genetic conditions, coordination difficulties, gait and postural concerns, musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. She has worked across the sporting spectrum, both with school sport and alongside some of Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. She worked closely with the NSW Institute of Sport preparing the athletes for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. Georgia thrives on seeing children reach their full potential. She believes in providing a energic and welcoming environment for children and their families. Georgia graduated with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy. |
ADELAIDE O'CONOR
Paediatric Physiotherapist biography
Adelaide is a dedicated Paediatric Physiotherapist with a passion for supporting children through their developmental milestones. Adelaide moved out from the UK in 2025, where she gained invaluable experience working with babies, children, and adolescents. She is particularly interested in working with school-aged children, helping them improve their gross motor skills to reach their full potential. Adelaide has extensive experience managing a range of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Her strong assessment skills and sound clinical judgement mean that she is well equipped to help young people return to a high level of function, enabling them to achieve their goals and return to the activities and sports they enjoy. She prioritises each individual’s needs and ensures their interests are incorporated into her comprehensive treatment plans. Adelaide believes in a collaborative approach, and works closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care. Adelaide graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. |
POONAM SHAH
Occupational Therapist Biography
Poonam has a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Sydney. She has extensive experience working with neurodiverse children and has had her own private practice for the past five (5) years in Australia and in New Zealand. Poonam has worked one-to-one with children in their home, with their families, and with the schools. She is focused on providing family-centred, client-driven and evidence-based practice. She uses a strength-based approach to enable kids to reach their full potential. Poonam has clinical experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Global Developmental Delays (GDD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) / Dyspraxia, Intellectual Disabilities, Sensory Processing difficulties, as well as with kids that have Visual Perception difficulties, general developmental delays, handwriting difficulties and behavioural challenges. Poonam’s skills include providing fun, motivating, multi-sensory and individually tailored therapy in areas such as: • Fine and gross motor; • Handwriting programs; • Behavioural management (positive behaviour learning); • Building attention; • Chronic toileting issues; • Self-regulation; • Social skills; • Sensory needs; • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including dressing; • Visual processing and visual memory; and • Executive function skills. Poonam has experience with using the Alert program, Zones of Regulation programs, Brain Gym, Social Thinking Program, Handwriting without tears and Collaborative Proactive Solutions Program. Poonam is a mother of two (2) energetic children who have reinforced her passion for paediatrics and taught her the importance of play and sensory stimulation in a child’s development. |
SANGEETA MENON
Occupational Therapist biography
Sangeeta (Geeta) is an experienced Occupational Therapist with over six years of experience working alongside diverse families across Sydney. Throughout her career, she has collaborated across the NDIS, private, and public health systems, supporting neurodivergent individuals and, more recently, children affected by early childhood trauma. Geeta is trained in the following programs: • Circle of Security • Tuning into Kids • Theraplay • Hanen (4i's to Socialise) Within her sessions, Geeta creates a welcoming space where children and families feel valued, heard, and supported. She practices trauma-responsive, neuro-affirming occupational therapy with a strong emphasis on relationship, attachment, and attunement. Geeta's philosophy is to take the time to understand what is happening "under the surface" and ensure a family-centered approach, tailoring sessions to meet each family's unique needs. |
MELISHA SIRISENA
Audiologist biography
Melisha is a skilled audiologist specialising in children’s ear health and has over 15 years of experience. Trained at The Children’s Hospital, her expertise is paediatric diagnostic audiology and tailored management strategies. Passionate about the vital role hearing plays in learning, Melisha advocates for its equal importance alongside vision. She works with doctors and other healthcare professionals, ensuring a child’s hearing is properly assessed and addressed, which plays a crucial role in supporting their accurate diagnosis and management. Melisha also collaborates with NSW schools and teachers and offers on-site hearing screenings to ensure students can fully participate in the classroom. As a mother to two girls herself, she understands the importance of hearing in a child’s development. Reasons why your child may need a hearing assessment include: • Paediatrician, GP or other Medical recommendation (language delay, behaviour, ADHD, ADD, neurodiversity, middle ear issues or other concerns) • School recommendation (teacher, LS team, school counsellor) • ENT recommendation (middle ear issues or infections or consideration of surgical procedures or other concerns) • Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist or other Allied Health recommendation (cognitive assessments, anxiety, expressive/receptive language difficulties, reading or writing difficulties, stuttering, sensory issues, dyslexia or other concerns) • Parental concerns (child self-reporting they are unable to hear, parent observation, family history of hearing loss, prematurity or time spent in SCN or NICU) • Transition to School or High School check (NSW government recommendation is for all children to have their vision, hearing and dental checked prior to school transition) • Other reasons (please note this list is not exhaustive, a hearing check is always beneficial for your child) Melisha is available Mondays (fortnightly) for audiology appointments with children 3 years and older. |
SHARM BLEWDEN
Speech Pathologist biography
Sharm is a passionate and dedicated paediatric speech pathologist with extensive experience supporting children with developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With a child-centred and evidence-based approach, Sharm focuses on developing meaningful communication skills that are tailored to each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Her areas of focus include early language development, social communication, articulation, and fluency. Sharm is deeply committed to empowering children and their families, fostering confidence and progress through collaborative and compassionate care at every stage of the journey. |
RACHEL LAM
Educational Consultant & Learning Specialist biography
Rachel has degrees in Science, Law and Education. She is dedicated and has a specific interest in evidence-based, best practices in teaching instruction, catering to diverse learners and the neuroscience of learning. She is a respected and qualified teacher who has extensive classroom experience and is known for her positivity, warmth and rapport with students. Rachel implements targeted, individualised teaching adjustments and strategies, using the Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) with small group and individuals to support learning for children with specific learning needs, including students with ADHD and ASD. She also works as a High Potential and Gifted Education lead teacher, designing differentiated programs, providing mentoring and professional learning to teachers resourcing and providing students with learning experiences and opportunities that develop, nurture and grow student potential. Rachel is focused on the cognitive science of learning and creates personalised Study Skills and Habit Building programs to equip students with the tools and strategies to support executive functioning and metacognition, along with Social and Emotional Skills training to build emotional regulation, pro social skills, problem solving and conflict resolution skills, and responsible decision-making skills. Together with Emma Whiffen, Rachel is passionate about providing educational support to families, individualised, tailor-made educational programs for students and building strong and positive connections with students, their families, schools and their multi-disciplinary health team. These relationships are a fundamental ingredient for any student to achieve a successful learning pathway. |
EMMA WIFFEN
Educational Consultant & Learning Specialist biography
Emma has degrees in the Arts and Education as well as a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education. She is passionate about Inclusive Education, ensuring all students have equal opportunity and access to participate, learn and succeed on the same basis as their peers. She focuses on effective multi-disciplinary teaching practices to support students with ADHD and ASD, including designing individualised education programs using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and building positive family and school support systems. In recent years, Emma has focused on working within school Learning and Support units where she has run intervention programs, worked collaboratively with teachers, school counsellors, parents and students to implement adjustments and accommodations to support student learning. She has developed whole school well-being and anti-bullying programs and has established school processes as well as professional learning for teaching staff around the National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD). Emma provides educational support to families, including student advocacy, school transitions, accessing resources, programs and activities, as well as facilitating positive partnerships and constructive communication and meetings with teachers and schools. Emma believes all children are unique and takes a holistic approach by understanding their experiences and actions in and outside of the classroom, their interests, strengths, current obstacles, areas of challenge, needs and aspirations and adapt teaching practices and the environment to cater for each students’ diverse learning needs. Together with Rachel Lam, Emma is dedicated to providing educational support to families, individualised, tailor-made educational programs for students and building strong and positive connections with students, their families, schools and their multi-disciplinary health team. These relationships are a fundamental ingredient for any student to achieve a successful learning pathway. |
EMMA BROWN
Practice Manager biography
Emma comes to Kite with 20 years of business and administration experience, having managed multiple businesses across several different industries. She brings to the Practice Manager role, an expertise in leadership, a high focus on customer service along with organisational & analytical skills. Emma builds strong and personalised relationships with clients, key stakeholders and team members alike. She enjoys being part of a forward thinking team and working alongside likeminded people. Her extensive travels have instilled in her a broad perspective and sensitivity towards different people and varying cultures. Her success comes from her intrinsic interest in, and warmth towards others. As a Northern Beaches local, Emma is committed to being part of a meaningful, innovative business while ensuring the Kite Centre is the leading Paediatric Health Care Centre in the community. She enjoys a challenge, and brims with initiative and enthusiasm. Emma is a devoted Mum, which adds to her personal experience and empathy for children and their families. |
LISA STAPLES
Senior Receptionist biography
Lisa has 30 years’ experience as an administration officer and medical receptionist. Her skills have seen her previously work in Allied Health and Psychology practices, among many other diverse industries. She has love for front desk management and connecting with patients. Lisa prides herself on her customer service and having patients leave with a happy and positive experience. Lisa has lived on the Northern Beaches for 30 years and loves all it has to offer. When not working, Lisa loves to travel and spending time with her family. As a mother of 3 children, she is compassionate and understanding of the challenges facing parents of today. |
VANESSA LINDSAY
Receptionist Biography
Kite Centre is delighted to welcome Vanessa as part of our reception team. Vanessa joins us with 20 years office administration experience across many diverse industries and has first hand knowledge of working with NDIA. Her bubbly personality, warmth, attention to detail & organisational skills bring a unique blend of positive energy and expertise to the role. Vanessa is a Northern Beaches local with close ties to the community. As a mother of 3 lovely children, Vanessa has a broad understanding of Paediatric conditions and shows compassion and empathy to children and parents alike. |